We've welcomed a new kitten in our home recently and she's curled up next to me right now, purring. There's something therapeutic in that, and having always been a dog person, I've been happily converted to include cat person with that. I'm convinced it's possible to be both. My oldest daughter was trying to pressure me into choosing which pet I like best, but I couldn't do it. They're each unique and lovable in their own way. Speaking of which, did anyone see the cat friend vs. dog friend you tube video that went viral? It's hysterical and soo true! (It's a PG-13 rating, be warned, but worth the laugh)
I don't know about all of you, but my writing has been on hold. I've been busy with the kids being on break, and had a lapse of sanity when I had a sleepover with 9 girls for two nights. My house still has not recovered! For those who think girls are all Barbies and painting nails, you haven't seen mine :) They had a blast sliding down the stairs on a sleeping bag and the noise level was mind boggling. I found my husband popping Advil for a headache!
As for Sense and Sensibility, I'm currently on page 164, so I'm not too far off of my goal. I'm sorry I missed last week's post on it, but I figured everybody was busy like me anyway. The first chapter opened with what could be considered an info dump, but for some reason, it didn't feel like it. Is it the language of the day? I'm not sure. . .what do you think?
Chapter two was a brilliant use of dialogue, painting the portrait of Mr. and Mrs. John Dashwood and their self-interest topped with unflattering greed.
Next, what would you consider the point of view to be? I'm still learning all the in's and out's of POV, but it seems to start out omniscient, but where I am now it's focusing more on Elinor's POV.
I have a lot to learn about how she shows the emotion of her characters, such as Marianne's anxiety on hearing from Willoughby while in London. It almost makes you feel anxious yourself!
For example: "this could not be borne many seconds, she opened the door, advanced a few steps towards the stairs, and after listening half a minute, returned into the room in all the agitation which a conviction of having heard him would naturally produce; the extasy of her feelings at that instant she could not help exclaiming, "Oh! Elinor, it is Willoughby, indeed it is!' and seemed almost ready to throw herself into his arms, when Colonel Brandon appeared."
For those of you joining me, or who have read the book already, what's on your mind?
For all the rest, how's the writing going?
Enjoy your new kitten. Not writing at the moment - just enjoying life.
ReplyDeleteHave a Happy New Year, Rose!
Thank you! Glad you've found time to do just that.
ReplyDeleteAwww, too cute! still working on my wip. Goal is to finish it this year
ReplyDeleteMe too! We can do it :)
DeleteI'm not as far in Sense and Sensibility as you are, but I've read it before. I love Austen's ability to create witticisms with what sounds like a perfectly straight face. The humor is understated and if the reader isn't paying attention then they miss the funny.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you brought up the witticisms. I hadn't really focused on them before and after you mentioned it, I do see them everywhere. They're brilliant, really, how she kind of makes fun of the way people contradict themselves.
DeleteI think a kitten's purr is one of the most comforting sound in this world. Congrats on the new addition to your family.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're enjoying S&S.
It's healing, for sure. Forget therapy, just get a cat!
DeleteNine girls for two nights?? Wow! My daughter had seven girls over for one night, and, whew!
ReplyDeleteTaking writing breaks for family stuff is so, so important. The writing will always be there. The family moments won't.
It was crazy. My house still hasn't recovered.
DeleteWhat an adorable kitten!?! Mine is sitting next to me as I type. :)
ReplyDeleteI understand how addicting cats can be now :)
DeleteHappy New Year Rose! The pic of your kitten is so cute. I've always been a cat person but have become a dog person too ever since getting our mountain dog. I agree with you, you can be both a cat person and a dog person. As far as the writing goes, it was tough to get words down on paper during the holidays, but I did manage to read to books Cherie Reich's book Gravity and Michael Offutt's book Oculus. Very different books but both a great read. Wish I could read Sense and Sensibility with you, but a blogger friend of mine sent me her book and I've promised to read it and give her feedback. :)
ReplyDeleteCats and dogs each have such different appealing qualities, but very they're so lovable!
DeleteHappy reading!